Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid- an essential nutrient and potent anti-oxidant. An important antioxidant vitamin integral to the formation and maintenance of collagen, a protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It enhances iron absorption and protects cells against free radical damage. Most animals and plants synthesise their own vitamin C, however humans cannot make or store it, therefore it must be constantly replenished from nutritional sources. A highly unstable acid that is oxidised on contact with air and destroyed when exposed to heat and light. For this reason it is extremely difficult to stabilise in skincare formulations. Applied topically, it may irritate skin due to high acidity levels. Its role in the growth and repair of tissues, and antioxidant activity makes it is an intregral element in the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. Deficiencies can lead to dry, splitting hair, rough, scaly skin, easy bruising and slow wound healing.